Bonewitz style rifle (New Photos)

[Ed Wenger]

Hey guys...  I haven't posted any projects lately so I thought I'd share a Bonewitz style rifle I just completed.

The architecture of the rifle is in the style of John Bonewitz.  Other aspects of the rifle came from #77 Thoughts on the KR in it's Golden Age, by an unknown maker.  Specifically, the carving behind the cheek piece (with my own "twist") and the single rivet in the patch box.  I also took some liberty with the wrist inlay engraving and the carving behind the entry thimble.  Some of the wrist carving is based on Bonewitz.

The blank came from Wayne Dunlap, the barrel is a rice Reading profile (41 1/2" I think), "B" weight, .50 cal.  The lock is an M&G Continental.  The butt piece and trigger guard are Reeves'.  The stain is Lancaster Maple over Honey Maple, finished with Jim Chambers magic varnish.  Comments, critiques, suggestions are always welcome.  Sorry about the depth of field in a couple of the pics.

Ed

[Scott Bumpus]

Very nice rifle.  I have always liked bonewitz carving and I think you captured his style very well.  realy like the wrist carving.  I have built several rifle but have not carved any yet.  I hope to begin doing some carving on the current build.

[George F.]

Love it!!. Nice job!! I love the color and finish. Carving is great. How do ya like that M&G lock. I have one waiting for the time to start another project with it.  ...Geo.

[RobertS]

I think it's beautiful, and I am sure that Mr. Bonewitz would be flattered.  Thanks for sharing it with us.

[rich pierce]

Great, show us more.  I love Bonewitz's work and you've done well.

[awol]

Nice work!

[Ed Wenger]

Thanks for the kind words.  I'll try to get some different pics since the ones posted leave something to be desired...

[Longknife]

I agree the pictures are kinda dark, maybe ya could send it to me for a proper inspection, I would pay the shipping, of course!!!!!!!

[Dave B]

Ed,
Very nice work on this piece, youve got to be pleased with it. I like Bonowitz rifles. One thing that would be good to do next time is to use a double rivet for the patch box lid catch. It is one of the signature details used by Bonowitz and Reedy.

[t.caster]

Beautiful! Very well done! Finished the way I like them....a year or so of patina! Is it for yourself?

[Ed Wenger]

Thanks for the kind words...

Dave, your right about the patchbox rivets, but I didn't want to make a bench top copy of any particular Bonewitz rifle so I kinda borrowed from some of his work and from #77 KRGA (unknown maker).  The single patchbox rivet is from #77, as is most of the carving theme.  Architecture is certainly J. Bonewitz.

Tom, no it's not for myself...  Wanna buy it???.....

Longknife, that would be fine!  Except there would most likely be a substantial "handling fee"...

Thanks again.

[Gene Carrell]

Great carving!

[Tom Currie]

Very well done. Butt carving is especially pleasing to me. One question on your finish, the curl really shows light to dark contrast, any special process used to bring that contrast out ?

[Ed Wenger]

Tom...  After the stock was scraped, lightly sanded, then carved, I hit it pretty hard with some very high quality steel wool (0000, from Woodcraft).  I essentially burnished the stock with the Steele wool.  I don't do that with an AQ finish, but this was stained, Lancaster Maple, over a coat of Honey Maple (LMF), then a few coats of Jim Chambers varnish.  I also use rottenstone.

[Bill of the 45th]

Almost a crime to cover up those stripes with that carving, or is it the other way around.  Gorgeous wood, and fantastic carving.

Bill

[Long John]

Ed,

Real nice work!  You should be very proud of that one!

Best Regards,

John Cholin

[Dennis Glazener]

Nice work Ed, I love the Bonewitz style.
Dennis

[C Wallingford]

Variflegun--
I sent you a PM.